The embattled Park was plunged into the worst crisis of her often turbulent tenure following reports that she had been taking advice on everything from North Korea to her wardrobe from a life-long friend, Choi Soon-sil.

People walk past a television screen showing South Korean President Park Geun-hye making a public apology on October 25, 2016.

Choi is said to lack any political experience and allegations of her links to a questionable cult have further compounded President Park’s troubles.

Choi has been accused of using her relationship with Park to solicit $70 million in donations from major corporations such as Samsung, intended for two foundations but in fact embezzled for her personal use.

The shadowy woman has been detained and is being questioned by prosecutors, as are several of Park’s close aides.

Although South Korea is no stranger to corruption or influence-peddling scandals, this latest case has particularly angered the public since many wonder if the nation was being run by a “shadow president” with no experience.

Anti-government protesters hold balloons as they march towards the Gwanghwamun area of central Seoul on November 12, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

They are further enraged that government institutions – from the prosecutors’ office to the Blue House itself – not only did not intervene but appeared to have collaborated with Choi, local reports allege.

The protesters gathered in Gwanghwamun, the central part of Seoul in front of the Blue House, for the third Saturday in a row to demand Park’s ouster.

Some 25,000 police in riot gear were out in force, while buses had been lined up head-to-tail on the streets leading up to and around the Blue House, cutting off access to the president’s office and residence.

Many opposition lawmakers, as well as some members of the ruling Saenuri Party, are also calling for Park to step down.

“President Park’s last gesture toward the people of Korea should be to take her hands off the helm of state affairs and to submit to a prosecution investigation,” Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the main opposition Minjoo party, said.

The president, however, has defied calls for her ouster and has instead delivered two nationally-televised apologies and replaced several advisers and ministers.

Park intends to hold on to power until elections scheduled for December 2017, appointing a powerful new prime minister instead. But she was forced to withdraw her nominee for prime minister after the opposition complained about her “unilateral” decision.